Artwork Page for Stag Lying Down

Details / Information for Stag Lying Down

Stag Lying Down

c. 1875–85

Rosa Bonheur

(French, 1822–1899)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
watercolor and gouache over graphite on cream wove paper
Support
Cream(3) wove paper
Measurements
Sheet: 28 x 38.1 cm (11 x 15 in.)
Credit Line
James Parmelee Fund 1977.3
Catalogue raisonné
Roger-Milés 934
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Bonheur constructed a park to house a stag named Jacques, whom she kept as a pet and model.

Description

This drawing was among many representing stags that were discovered in Rosa Bonheur’s studio after her death. One of the few women of her time who was given the support needed for an artistic career, Bonheur became famous during her lifetime for naturalistic portrayals of animals. Daily carriage rides through the forest around her home enabled her to sketch from nature. One such outing inspired Cleveland’s drawing: Bonheur’s companion recalled “a stag . . . with the sun playing on him through the leaves . . . [who] remained perfectly still.” Watercolor was ideal for such improvisatory studies, allowing Bonheur to work outdoors alongside the subjects she treasured.
A horizontally oriented watercolor and gouache painting depicts a stag lying down from a side view. The stag holds his head and antlers high, facing our left, and has brown fur that takes on a copper glint at the top of the head and legs. In the background, blotchy green and brownish-purple strokes convey a dirt ground and greenery.

Stag Lying Down

c. 1875–85

Rosa Bonheur

(French, 1822–1899)
France, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork